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Sunrise Over James – Matt Sheppard
CSi Weather…
TODAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. COLDER. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S. NORTH WINDS
5 TO 10 MPH.
.TONIGHT…PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS AROUND 20. SOUTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY…PARTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. SOUTH WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 20S.
SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND 10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE WEST AFTER
MIDNIGHT.
.THURSDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE MID 30S. NORTHWEST WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.
.THURSDAY NIGHT…INCREASING CLOUDS. LOWS 15 TO 20.
.FRIDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS IN THE MID 20S.
LOWS 10 TO 15.
.SATURDAY…MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 20S.
.SATURDAY NIGHT…CLOUDY WITH A 40 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. LOWS AROUND 15.
.SUNDAY…CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW. HIGHS AROUND 20.
.SUNDAY NIGHT…MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS ZERO TO 5 ABOVE.
.MONDAY…MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS 10 TO 15.
THERE IS A CHANCE OF SNOW SOUTH THURSDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY. IT
WILL TURN MUCH COLDER OVER THE WEEKEND WITH ACCUMULATING SNOW POSSIBLE SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY.
Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council met in Regular Session Monday evening (Dec 3, 2012) at City Hall. All members were present.
Items discussed separately on the Consent Agenda included:
Items K and P requested by Council Member Kourajian.
Item K a Resolution to approve Payment No. 4, to Lindberg Brothers, Inc., for construction on 2012 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter District #12-11, in the amount of $49,700.28.
Kourajian asked if that was the final payment. City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said it was close to the final payment.
The item was then approved.
Item P, a Resolution to approve Payment No. 1 (Inv No. 12039), to Interstate Engineering, Inc., for engineering services on Water & Sewer District 12-61 & 12-31 (Titan Addition), in the amount of $5,448.00. Kourajian asked if approvals means the project will go forward.
Mayor Andersen said this item approves work already performed.
The item was then approved.
Approved on the Consent Agenda was :
A Resolution was approved, the recommendation from the JSDC for Economic Development Funds, in the amount of $45,312.00, with the City Share to be $36,250.00 and paid for from the City Sales Tax Fund, for development of the following:
1) Engaging SRF Consulting Group, Inc., to prepare a Growth Development Plan for the City of Jamestown and the Extraterritorial Area at an estimated fee of $27,376.00;
2) Engaging SRF Consulting Group, Inc., to prepare Strategic Master Plans for Three Strategic Growth Areas of Jamestown at an estimated cost of $7,936.00; and
3) Engaging SRF Consulting Group, Inc., to provide technical assistance associated with planning tasks associated with Current Development Proposals in an amount to not exceed $10,000.
On the Regular Agenda:
Committee Reports:
A Draft Agreement with Buffalo City Tourism Foundation, as drawn up by City Attorney Ken Dalsted was presented.
Dalsted’s previous opinion was that the city not appoint Foundation Board members, as a requirement in a new contract.
He said because Buffalo City Tourism is an independent corporation, it is recommended that the entity be allowed to elect its own directors, as provided by law.
The BCTF may, under the city’s Enterprise Ordinance, make application to the city, making a request to perform services on behalf of the city.
The city is proposing a four year contract, with funding at $65,000 each of the next two years, and next year a re-negoitation for a new funding request.
Presently the Tourism Board receives $120,000 in operating funds.
Mayor Andersen favors an annual contract and raising funding through independent means, including possibly charging admission to the Frontier Village.
Clarification
Under the current agreement, the BCTF is funding with 40% of the city’s Restaurant tax, 100% of the lodging tax, plus $65,000, annually…a portion of the a half percent of the City Sales tax from the JSDC Economic Development funds, plus grant funding.
Tourism Director Nina Sneider said BCTF does not receive dollars from the Stutsman County Economic Development Fund.
The draft was reviewed, with Mayor Andersen saying the figures in the draft are what the council previously agreed to.
The draft includes funding from the motel and restaurant taxes, through the City of Jamestown.
Council Member Buchanan was not in favor of taking the language, “sales tax” out of the agreement, since dollars will come from the city sales tax.
Mayor Andersen said that area is separate from the motel and restaurant tax fund.
BCTF Director Nina Sneider said in 2014 an additional $20,000 will be needed above the proposed funding of $299,320, for 2014, to cover the cost of billboard advertising.
Mayor Andersen said she wanted a city only agreement with BCTF, and not jointly with the JSDC, because the city is doling out the motel and restaurant taxes for funding.
Mayor Andersen said she is uncomfortable with numbers past 2014, to see what funds are generated from the motel and restaurant taxes.
Fuchs says reserve funds should be stipulated in the agreement.
The Mayor again restated the possibility of additional funding come from other sources such as charging for admission to Jamestown tourist sites, to which Sneider said will take time to plan.
Council Member Brubakken said those he talked to in Jamestown were not in favor of the charges.
After the discussions and a few language changes in the draft, which includes omitting direct participation from the JSDC, the City Council voted to approve the draft with changes included at Monday’s meeting. The vote was unanimous to approve.
Then the Council addressed an item previously tabled, to fund $75,000 for 2013, from the JSDC. The motion to approve was passed unanimously.
Ordinances:
The Second Reading of an Ordinance to amend and re-enact Section 8, Appendix B, of the City Code, pertaining to required improvements.
Council Member Buchanan went on record of opposing the action, saying the Council is acting in haste. He said the City Council would be micro-managing development issues.
He said developers needed more input on the issue.
Mayor Andersen said the Ordinance has been testified to at four previous meetings by real estate officials, and approved by the City Planning Commission.
The vote to approve amending and re-enacting the City Code was on a vote of 3-2 with Council Members Buchanan, and Brubakken voting against approval.
Hearing from the audience: No one spoke
Appointments: None were made.
Mayor and Council Members Report:
Other Business:
The City Council approved the request from North Dakota Buffalo Foundation, Inc., for a gaming site authorization at the Gladstone Inn (Banquet Rooms) on December 15, 2012.
The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 67 followed by replays.
Valley City, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Valley City Commission met in Regular Session Monday evening (Dec. 3, 2012) at City Hall. All members were present.
The newest Valley City Police officer was sworn in by Mayor Werkhoven.
Police Chief Fred Thompson then pinned the badge on the city’s newest officer.
Approval of Consent Agenda Items included:
Monthly Reports from the Fire Chief, Building Inspector, Auditor, Municipal Judge and Public Works Accountant.
Monthly Bills for the City and Public Works in the Amount of $2,100,526.37.
LP License renewal for Vining Oil & Gas LLC
Pawn License renewal for Northwestern Industries.
License renewal for Liquor and Beer for Dakota Silver, Sabir’s, Main Street Off-Sale.
Approved the License renewal for Slaughterhouse for Valley Meat Supply.
Public Forum – No one spoke.
The City Commission approved the First Reading of Ordinance amending and re-enacting the Commissioners Salaries.
Mayor Werkhoven said an increase has not been made since the late 1990’s. He also noted an increase in meetings attended, along with commissioners attending other city related meetings.
The raise proposed is $100 additional per month, for commissioners, and $250 for the mayor, plus an increase in vehicle allowance.
Commissioner Luke pointed out that being a City Commissioner is full time job.
Commissioner Nielson voted against approving the increase in City Commissioner’s salaries.
Approved the Second and Final Reading an Ordinance amending, abating and reenacting Article I, Chapter 26, Taxation, a City Sales, Use and Gross Receipts tax under the Home Rule Charter of the City of Valley City for an Additional 10 Years.
City voters approved the Advisory Vote in November of this year.
Resolutions:
Approved a Resolution accepting the Bid and Awarding Contract to Swingin Construction for a Main Street Retaining Wall in the amount of $253,422. Erik Gilbertson of KLJ explained the bid awarding to the Commission.
New Business:
Approved the low bid for One (1) New Tandem Garbage Truck. Operations Superintendent Differding, explained the specifications.
Approved the bid for One (1) New Dump Truck. As approved by Operations Superintendent Differding.
Considered a three year contract with Eide Bailly. Auditor Richter recommending a the three year contract, which was approved by the City Commission.
Considered a Credit Card option for Public Works. City Administrator Schelkoph presented the plan, for the payment of utility bills.
He pointed out that the public is asking if the city accepts credit card payments, and to re-establish cut off service.
He outlined the percentage per transaction, plus the cost of NSF checks.
The City Commissioners voted have the city postpone action until the next City Commission meeting with a additional information.
City Commissioners approved releasing $300,000 obligated funds previously approved for a manufacturing company that was to locate in the NW Industrial Park.
Jennifer Feist, from Economic Development said it was appropriate at this time to release the funds.
Commissioners voted to release the funds.
The City Commission then reviewed the police funeral escort policy. City Administrator Schelkoph, had Police Chief, Fred Thompson outline the policy.
The draft includes emergency escorts in police department vehicles, to include officer/citizen rescues during times of civil unrest.
The draft outlines emergency escorts of civilian vehicles, for medical or other emergencies under any circumstances.
Non-emergency escorts such as for parades, dignitaries, funerals, special events, over-sized loads, hazardous materials may be provided with the approval of the Chief of Police.
Those requesting such escorts must have appropriate permits and authorization as required by the City of Valley City.
Police units in the escort may be excused if the unit is required for emergency purposes.
No action was taken by the City Commission.
Ryan Mathias from the NuBar discussed a proposal for an outdoor smoking shelter outside his establishment.
He said due to the no-smoking measure, passed by voters in the November 6, 2012 elections, he’s proposing to build a windbreak behind the NuBar.
The structure would be 20X18 at the south end of the property, where the patio fence was.
The front would be 25 feet from the back entrance, in compliance with the new law.
Mathias said he has not received official notification from the state on the start of the pending legislation.
City Attorney Russell Myhre explained the new state law which takes effect December 6th.
He is not sure if Mathias plans are within the new law, as “smoke shacks,” are not allowed under the new law.
He said Mathias might not want to make an investment in the windbreak, until specifics of the new law are known, and how to interpret it.
Myhre pointed out, Enforcement of the law is the responsibility of the proprietor of the establishment, followed by backup by law enforcement if the subject does not extinguish the smoking product.
Mayor Werkhoven said he understands that violators can be turned over to the State Health Department.
He added that the city wants to work with Mathias and others to make sure they are in compliance with any proposed plans.
Myhre said it may be appropriate to request an opinion from the State Attorney General’s Office.
City Administrator Report:
David Schelkoph said, the city had taken down two buildings on the demolition list.
The employee and policy planning is continuing and the Animal Ordinance will be addressed at a meeting on Tuesday this week.
He said the city has met with the Salvation Army to address issues concerning how to handle charitable acts, in conjunction with churches.
Commissioner Pedersen said with the City Auditorium, the city needs to put a value on the structure, as outside appraisals are differing based on the way they handle appraisals.
Schelkoph indicated that in January, the issue will be further addressed, with a meeting with other officials to come up with an accurate appraisal.
City Updates & Commission Comments:
City Commissioner Luke indicated that the cost of water treatment will be going higher, during the winter months, due to treatment of the sulfur content.
Commissioner Mary Lee Nielson said, she and Commissioner Luke attended the meeting of the Devils Lake outlet.
She said in the spring the two outlets are planned to be in operation.
The Devils Lake moisture content was fairly high this fall, and so the spring melt and runoff may increase the lake level in the spring.
She said another item discussed at the Devils Lake meeting was asking officials for a study of acquadic life.
Commissioner Nielson will be attending various water meetings, including the State Water Commission meeting, and upper the Sheyenne River meeting.
City Attorney Myhre gave an update on additional home buyouts.
The discussion of the Animal Ordinance will take place on Tuesday.
The city has negotiated with Phase One issues, with Barnes County Rural Water Users.
Building Inspector/Fire Inspector Dave Andersen related fire statistics, especially during the holiday season.
He noted the leading causes of house fires, including smoking, lamps using larger than called for bulb wattage, along with improper usage of extension cords, space heaters, and even electric blankets.
Candles are the number one cause of house fires.
City Fire Chief Retterath cautions residents to check that their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectores are operable.
Briefly addressing potential uses for the Auditorium building, Mayor Werkhoven noted that in Minot a similar type building is being turned into housing units.
The meeting was shown live on CSi 68, followed by replays.
Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Dec 3, 2012) — Jamestown Mayor, Katie Andersen says, the city’s negotiations with Stutsman Rural Water Users, continues.
On Monday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Mayor Andersen said, the Jamestown City Council met in Special Session, Nov 15, 2012 – to discuss the Stutsman Rural Water issue, as she presented a public power point presentation, to which representatives of the Rural Water Users were invited, but declined to attend.
Following the meeting, the Mayor sent a letter to the president of Stutsman Rural Water users, asking what the next step in negotiations will be.
The Mayor said, as of Monday the city the Rural Water Users, president said the organization will contact the city, with future plans for any meetings, or additional information.
At the November 15th meeting, the Rural Water Users were invited to discuss the issues in public, but decline, and instead met in Executive Session, down the hall at the Quality Inn & Suites.
At issue is a claim by Stutsman Rural Water that Jamestown was expanding its water service into territory Stutsman Rural Water has rights to serve, in the area of the Titan Machinery facility under construction near Jamestown Regional Medical Center. The area is in the one mile extraterritorial limits of the City of Jamestown.
On our show, Monday Mayor Andersen said December 14, 2012 is the deadline to start plans for installing water and sewer lines at the Titan site.
She said the city must take action on the issue by that time in order for the installation to proceed in a timely fashion.
Before the City Council meeting, Council members agreed to meet this Thursday December 6, 2012 at City Hall at 1-p.m., to address more issues with the topic.
The city has awarded bids on the project.
Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) – The Jamestown City Fire Department was called out Saturday (Dec 1, 2012) to Rock of Ages at 1315 4th Street Northeast at about 11:52 a.m.
Lt. Sheldon Mohr says the call was for smoke in the building.
When the units arrived they opened a wall an extinguished smoldering insulation.
No injuries were reported with six units, and 26 fire fighters on the scene about two hours.
The cause is under investigation.
From JRMC
Jamestown, ND, (KCSi-T.V. News December 3, 2012— Auxiliary members from Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) are sponsoring the fourteenth annual Tree of Love fundraiser.
Crystal heart ornaments with a silver or gold ribbon can be purchased “in memory of” or “in honor of”.
The ornaments that are purchased will be displayed on a tree located in the main lobby of JRMC.
The money raised from this event will go towards purchasing a LIKO Master Vest for the patient care unit.
Forms may be picked up at the main lobby volunteer desk or the Gift Shoppe at JRMC. Deadline for purchasing ornaments is December 15, 2012.
About Jamestown Regional Medical Center
Jamestown Regional Medical Center is a 25-bed, critical access hospital located at 2422 20th St. SW, Jamestown, ND. For more information on services at JRMC, visit www.jrmcnd.com or call 701-952-1050.
From JSDC
Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — Connie Ova, JSDC CEO, joined numerous economic development partners on 11/29/12 at the most recent Rural Developers’ Assembly sponsored by the Rural Electric & Telecommunications (RE&T) Development Center in Mandan, ND. This semi-annual event is intended to provide a means for people involved in rural development to connect with one another and to stay informed of new programs and methods to bring businesses and services to rural area.
This most recent Assembly featured child care cooperatives as a possible model to help fill some service provider gaps the state is experiencing.
Kim Coontz, Executive Director of the California Center for Cooperative Development, has been working with cooperative enterprises for more than 23 years. She has a national reputation for her expertise in child care and preschool cooperatives. In 2011, Parent Cooperatives International bestowed her with their Cooperative Leadership Award. Kim is author of Bringing Families Together: A Guide to Parent Cooperatives, a book on child care cooperatives.
Also on the agenda, were Paul Lucy, Director, Economic Development & Finance, ND Commerce and Jasper Schneider, ND State Director for USDA who provided updates on current activities and resources within their respective organizations. In addition, the Rural Economic Area Partnership Investor Board has recently developed an interactive website for economic and community leaders across North Dakota – the “Developer Station”. A brief tour of that site was provided.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – Fire has caused an estimated $100,000 in
damage to a Bismarck auto business.
Firefighters responded to the blaze at A&G Auto Mart shortly
after 1 a.m. Monday and knocked down most of the blaze in about 20
minutes. No one was inside the business and no one was hurt.
The cause of the fire was not immediately determined.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam
Hamm has been elected president-elect of the National Association
of Insurance Commissioners.
Hamm will assume the duties at the beginning of next year. He
currently is the group’s vice president, and he served as
secretary-treasurer before that.
The NAIC is an organization of the chief insurance regulators in
the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the five U.S.
territories.
Hamm was elected to a second term as North Dakota’s top
insurance regulator last month.
Read more about the election at
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP Dec 3, 2012) – The North Dakota Legislature is preparing this week for the start of the 2013 session in January.
The organizational session started Monday. It ends Wednesday after Gov. Jack Dalrymple gives his budget recommendations to lawmakers.
Dalrymple says his budget will have a number of sweeping proposals. He says they’ll be in line with the agenda he talked about during his election campaign.
Lawmakers took their oaths of office Monday, and they picked out the desks they’ll use for the next five months.
Finley Rep. Bill Devlin was elected as the new speaker of the House, and Jamestown Sen. Terry Wanzek is the Senate’s new president pro tempore.
The biggest job for legislative leaders is to choose members for the committees that will review bills.
The regular session starts Jan. 8.
FARGO, N.D. (AP) – A Cass County jail inmate has pleaded guilty
to escaping while a law officer was escorting him to a court
appearance in Fargo.
25-year-old Francisco Ayala Jr., of West Fargo, was sentenced to 1
1/2 years in prison on the felony escape charge Monday. He also faces
federal drug charges.
Authorities say Ayala used a makeshift key fashioned from two
wire springs and a broken pencil to undo his handcuffs and leg
restraints and flee from a sheriff’s deputy on Oct. 12. He was on
the run for less than an hour before being apprehended without
incident in an apartment, but the incident prompted lockdowns at
five area schools.
HUDSON, Wis. (AP) – Defense attorneys want to suppress
statements made by the Minot man accused of killing his three
daughters at their Wisconsin home. Aaron Schaffhausen allegedly
killed 5-year-old Cecilia, 8-year-old Sophie and 11-year-old Amara
Schaffhausen in July. The defense is trying to suppress the
father’s statements, based on Miranda warning questions.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – The FBI is searching for a man
suspected of firing at an Idaho State Police trooper on Saturday,
then kidnapping a woman who was dropped off unharmed in Montana.
Idaho authorities have obtained a $1 million warrant for the arrest
of 57-year-old Mitchell Walck. The FBI says Walck may be traveling
through North Dakota, South Dakota or Minnesota.
WATFORD CITY, N.D. (AP) – Authorities are investigating the shooting of three horses in a pasture south of Watford City.
Two of the dead horses were discovered Sunday and the third was found Monday. All three were brood mares owned by breeder Dale Kling, who supplies bucking horses for rodeos. All three had colts that were not shot.
Family members say they plan to put up a reward for information.
MINOT, N.D. (AP) – The Minot Police Department is warning residents about some new community members that have gained attention around town: a herd of moose.
The police department says the city has become home to a cow and her two young calves. The department says they have been working with the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish on the matter and urge residents to “let the moose be.”
Animal control officer Dick Schnell says the mother could become defensive if she feels her young are becoming threatened. He says the moose will eventually work their way out of town. If they don’t and become a hazard to the public, authorities will then take action.
In sports…
From Jim Roaldson…
Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. Sports Dec 3, 2012) — The Jamestown High School Boys & Girls Cross Country Teams have been named recipients of the 29th annual Team Scholar Award for the 2012-2013 school year.
In order to qualify for this award the team must meet or exceed a Grade Point Average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Bottineau 33, Rolla 29
Central Cass 74, Hankinson 65
Fairmount-Campbell-Tintah 53, Richland 48
Garrison 58, Drake/Anamoose 43
Glen Ullin-Hebron 58, Beach 57, OT
Harvey-Wells County 63, Underwood 27
Litchville-Marion/Montpelier 56, Maple Valley 54
Surrey 66, Max 57
Tioga 66, Burke County 49
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) – The New York Giants’ lead in the NFC East is down to one game over Washington and Dallas after Robert Griffin III third tossed a go-ahead touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon in the fourth quarter of the Redskins’ 17-16 win over the G-Men. Griffin ran five times for 72 yards to break Cam Newton’s NFL record for a rookie quarterback. He also was 13-of-21 for 163 yards as the Redskins improved to 6-6.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Final OT Portland 118 Charlotte 112
Final Detroit 89 Cleveland 79
Final New Orleans 102 Milwaukee 81
Final L-A Clippers 105 Utah 104
Final Denver 113 Toronto 110
Final Orlando 102 Golden State 94
SPORTSMAN OF YEAR-JAMES
King James is SI’s choice
MIAMI (AP) – LeBron James is Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year. The Miami Heat star is the first NBA player to win the award since teammate Dwyane (dwayn) Wade in 2006.
The Heat are the reigning NBA champions. James also helped the U.S. win gold at this year’s London Olympics.
James was also honored because of his charitable work, especially involving schoolchildren in his native Akron, Ohio.
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
UNDATED (AP) – Fourth-ranked Syracuse remains unbeaten this season after running their non-conference winning streak to 48 games.
Michael Carter-Williams had 11 points and 11 assists as the Orange blew out Eastern Michigan 84-48. Freshman Dajuan Coleman had a season-high 14 points and Brandon Triche finished with 12 for the 6-0 Orange.
The other top-25 game of the night had No. 17 San Diego State beating Texas Southern 74-62 behind Jamaal Franklin’s 18 points and 15 rebounds. Chase Tapley added 16 points for the Aztecs, who have won six straight since dropping their season opener to Syracuse.
T25 BASKETBALL-AP POLL
UNDATED (AP) – Indiana, Duke and Michigan remain one through three in the AP basketball poll, while Kentucky falls out of the Top 25.
The 8-0 Hoosiers picked up 45 votes for No. 1. That’s two less than a week ago. Duke got the other 20 after running its record to 8-0.
Michigan, Syracuse and Louisville complete the top five. They are followed by Florida, Ohio State, Arizona, Kansas and Gonzaga.
After losses to Notre Dame and Baylor, Kentucky is 4-3 and unranked for the first time since John Calipari took over as coach in 2009.
NFL…
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier says he’s sticking with Christian Ponder as the team’s starting quarterback. Frazier says he thinks it’s important to have an established No. 1 quarterback. Despite Ponder’s poor play on Sunday, Frazier says he never considered putting backup Joe Webb in the game.
MLB…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The New York Yankees will open the 2013 season without third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who will undergo hip surgery that could sideline him until the All-Star break. Rodriguez hit .272 with 18 homers and 57 RBIs in 122 games during the 2012 regular season before going just .120 in 25 postseason at-bats. This will be Rodriguez’s sixth trip to the disabled list in six seasons.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Free-agent Mike Napoli (NAP’-oh-lee) and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a $39 million, three-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The 31-year-old catcher hit just .227 with 24 homers and 56 RBIs this year after batting .320 with 30 homers and 75 RBIs in 2011.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The San Francisco Giants and free agent center fielder Angel Pagan have reached agreement on a four-year, $40 million contract. The 31-year-old Pagan batted .288 with eight home runs, 56 RBIs and a San Francisco-best 15 triples in his first season with the Giants.
Big league pitchers could experiment with protective hat liners next season, hoping they can absorb the shock of batted balls such as the ones that struck Oakland’s Brandon McCarthy and Doug Fister of the Tigers in the head last season. The liners, weighing perhaps five ounces or less, would go under a pitcher’s cap and help protect against line drives that often travel over 100 mph.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Former New York Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert (ROO’-purt), longtime umpire Hank O’Day and barehanded catcher Deacon White were elected to the Hall of Fame for their excellence through the first half of the 20th century.
Induction ceremonies will be held July 28 in Cooperstown, N.Y. They will be honored along with anyone chosen next month in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL…
NEW YORK (AP) – The Heisman Trophy finalists have been announced, and the trio consists of two quarterbacks and a linebacker from the nation’s top-ranked team.
Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (man-ZEHL’), Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o (MAN’-ty TAY’-oh) and Kansas quarterback Collin Klein will be on hand when the trophy is presented in New York on Saturday.
Manziel is the favorite to win college football’s most prestigious award when it is presented Saturday night in New York.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL…
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – The University of Utah will honor the legacy of Rick Majerus (mah-JEHR’-uhs) by hanging a replica of his trademark white sweater from the rafters at the basketball arena where he coached 14 seasons and regularly led the Utes to the NCAA tournament.
The 64-year-old Majerus died Saturday in Los Angeles while awaiting a heart transplant.
In world and national news…
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – The U.S. Navy says all of its drone aircraft
are accounted for. The statement came today in response to Iran’s
claim that it had captured a U.S. drone after it entered Iranian
airspace over the Persian Gulf. Other countries in the region also
have drones in their fleets.
BRUSSELS (AP) – NATO’s top official says alliance foreign
ministers are expected to approve Turkey’s request for Patriot
anti-missile systems to bolster its defense against strikes from
neighboring Syria. Ankara, which has been highly supportive of the
Syrian opposition to President Bashar Assad’s regime, wants the
Patriots to defend against possible retaliatory attacks by Syrian
missiles carrying chemical warheads.
WASHINGTON (AP) – The political brinksmanship over the fiscal
cliff negotiations continues. The Republicans’ latest proposal
revives ideas from failed budget talks with President Barack Obama
last year. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says the GOP must
realize that “simple math dictates that tax rates must rise on the
top 2 percent of taxpayers next year” to protect the middle class.
MANILA, Philippines (AP) – At least 33 people have died and more
than 50,000 people have fled their homes in the Philippines as one
of the strongest typhoons this year barreled across the country’s
south. Typhoon Bopha hit at dawn. Ferocious winds ripped roofs from
homes and its 311-mile-wide rain band flooded low-lying farmland.
WASHINGTON (AP) – A ministerial conference tomorrow in Brussels
takes up online child sexual abuse. Participants hope to build on
the success of cross-border police operations that have dismantled
international pedophile networks. Attorney General Eric Holder and
top officials from the European Union Commissioner will announce
the launching of a global alliance to combat the abuses.
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